EP1016611A2 - Discharged paper receiver unit - Google Patents
Discharged paper receiver unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1016611A2 EP1016611A2 EP99125792A EP99125792A EP1016611A2 EP 1016611 A2 EP1016611 A2 EP 1016611A2 EP 99125792 A EP99125792 A EP 99125792A EP 99125792 A EP99125792 A EP 99125792A EP 1016611 A2 EP1016611 A2 EP 1016611A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- paper
- discharged
- receiver unit
- lining
- cushioning portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H31/00—Pile receivers
- B65H31/02—Pile receivers with stationary end support against which pile accumulates
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2801/00—Application field
- B65H2801/03—Image reproduction devices
- B65H2801/06—Office-type machines, e.g. photocopiers
Definitions
- This invention relates to a discharged paper receiver unit for an image recording apparatus such as a copier, printer or the like, and more particularly to a discharged paper receiver unit on which a plurality of papers automatically discharged from such an image recording apparatus continuously one by one are stacked with their edges lined up.
- Conventional discharged paper receiver units generally comprise a tray on which papers are stacked, an end fence which is erected from the tray so that the papers discharged from the image recording apparatuses impact against the end fence, and a pair of side fences which line up the side edges (the edges parallel to the direction of discharge of the papers) of the papers.
- the end fence is slidable back and forth in the direction of discharge of the papers according to the length (the size of the papers as measured in the direction of discharge of the papers) of the papers to be discharged from the image recording apparatus.
- the side fences are slidable toward and away from each other in the direction transverse to the direction of discharge of the papers according to the width of the papers to be discharged.
- the end fence and the side fences are collapsible, and when the image recording apparatus is not used, the discharged paper receiver unit is housed in a cabinet on the image recording apparatus with the fences collapsed.
- the end fence functions as both a stopper member which stops the papers discharged from the image recording apparatus and an end lining up member which lines up the leading ends of the papers, thereby bringing the papers in alignment with each other in the longitudinal direction of the papers (in the direction of discharge of the papers).
- the end face has been formed of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, PS resin or PC resin. Accordingly a large sound is generated each time the paper impacts against the end fence.
- the leading ends of the papers are apt to be caught by the rough surface of the sponge so that the papers are hung from the sponge, which adversely affects lining up the leading ends of the papers, though the impact sounds can be well suppressed.
- the surface of the sponge is covered, for instance, with resin film to provide a smooth surface, the cushioning effect deteriorates and the impact sound cannot be sufficiently suppressed though the lining up the leading ends of papers can be well performed.
- Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8(1996)-20468 there is disclosed a mechanism for suppressing the impact sound by erecting a thin plate member formed of a resilient material in front of the end fence.
- the thin plate member is deflected by its own weight toward the paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus and when the paper impacts against the thin plate member, kinetic energy of the paper is absorbed by the thin plate member and the impact sound is suppressed.
- the primary object of the present invention is to provide a discharged paper receiver unit which can suppress the impact sound generated upon stopping the discharged paper and, at the same time, can well line up the ends of the papers.
- the discharged paper receiver unit in accordance with the present invention is for receiving papers discharged from an image recording apparatus such as a copier, printer or the like and comprises
- the cushioning portion of the stopper member stops the paper discharged from the image recording apparatus and absorbs kinetic energy of the discharged paper by rebounding the discharged paper, whereby the impact sound is suppressed. Since the end lining-up member lines up the ends of the papers and the cushioning portion plays no part in lining up the ends of the papers, the surface of the cushioning portion need not be smooth. Accordingly, the cushioning portion may be formed of a cushioning material such as sponge rubber or sponge resin without any cover which can increase the impact sound.
- the cushioning portion may extend either from the surface of the bottom plate to an area including a height where the leading end of the discharged paper is expected to pass or only over an area including a height where the leading end of the discharged paper is expected to pass.
- the height where the leading end of the discharged paper is expected to pass varies according to the size of the paper, the thickness of the paper, the speed at which the paper is discharged and the like, and can be determined, for instance, empirically. It is preferred that the height of the cushioning portion is adjustable.
- the material of the cushioning portion can be changed. This can be realized by changing the stopper member together with the cushioning portion or by removably mounting the cushioning portion on the stopper member and changing only the cushioning portion.
- the paper is generally discharged in a curled state with its side edges directed upward in order to facilitate discharge of the paper.
- a paper spreading sound is generated when the paper spreads.
- the cushioning portion is narrower than the width of the leading end of the paper to be discharged from the image recording apparatus and is positioned so that the leading end of the paper impacts against the cushioning portion only at a middle portion thereof, impact energy is released in a manner such that the impact energy propagates outward from the middle portion of the paper, and a part of the impact energy can be absorbed and generation of the paper spreading sound is prevented.
- the end lining-up member is disposed near the end of the bottom plate which is held lower than the other end, and the paper rebound by the cushioning portion slides along the inclined surface of the bottom plate and is stopped by the end lining-up member with its one end abutting against the lining-up surface of the end lining-up member, whereby the ends of the papers are lined up.
- the lining-up surface be smooth and may be formed of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, PS resin, PC resin or the like which has been used for the conventional end fence.
- the bottom plate may be inclined either so that the upstream end thereof (the end nearer to the image recording apparatus) is lower than the downstream end thereof or so that the downstream end is lower than the upstream end, it is preferred that the bottom plate be inclined in the latter manner.
- the stopper member and the end lining-up member may be formed either integrally or separately from each other.
- stopper member and the end lining-up member be movable back and forth in the paper discharge direction in which the papers are discharged from the image recording apparatus so that the position of the cushioning portion and the lining-up surface can be adjusted according to the size of the paper.
- stopper member and the end lining-up member be movable back and forth in the paper discharge direction independently of each other.
- the cushioning performance of the stopper member (the cushioning portion) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased.
- FIG. 1 shows a stencil printer with a stencil master making system as an image recording apparatus provided with a discharged paper receiver unit to which the present invention is applied.
- the stencil printer 10 has a stencil master making section in which a stencil master is made by imagewise perforating a heat-sensitive stencil master material M in a dot matrix pattern.
- the stencil master thus made is wound around the peripheral wall of a printing drum 24 in a printing section 17.
- a printing paper p' is fed between the printing drum 24, bearing thereon the stencil master, and a press roller 27 from a paper supply table 26 at a predetermined timing in synchronization with rotation of the printing drum 24 by a pair of timing rollers 25.
- the printing paper P' is pressed against the stencil master on the printing drum 24 by the press roller 25 and ink is transferred to the printing paper P' through the stencil master, whereby an image is printed on the printing paper P'.
- the printed paper P' (will be referred to as "the discharged paper P", hereinbelow) is separated from the printing drum 24 by a separator 28 and is conveyed by a discharge paper conveyor system 29. Then the discharged paper P is discharged into a discharged paper receiver unit 16 with its printed surface facing upward.
- the present invention is to improve the discharged paper receiver unit 16.
- a discharged paper receiver unit 16 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4, hereinbelow.
- the discharged paper receiver unit 16 of this embodiment comprises a bottom plate 4, a stopper member 2 which is erected from the bottom plate 4 and is provided with a cushioning portion 1, and an end lining-up member comprising a pair of lining-up pieces 3 disposed on opposite sides of the stopper member 2.
- the discharged paper receiver unit 16 is disposed with respect to the stencil printer 10 so that the bottom plate 4 is inclined with respect to the horizontal with its downstream end (the end remote from the stencil printer 10) held lower than its upstream end.
- the stopper member 2 and the end lining-up member are disposed near the downstream end of the bottom plate 4.
- the stopper member 2 is disposed near the downstream end of the bottom plate 4 and the end lining-up member is disposed near the upstream end of the bottom plate 4.
- the cushioning portion 1 is formed of sponge or rubber material several millimeters thick having cushioning effect and is positioned so that the discharged paper P as discharged from the stencil printer 10 directly impacts against the cushioning portion 1.
- the cushioning portion 1 extends over the upper one third of the stopper member 2. Since the height where the leading end of the discharged paper P is expected to pass changes according to various factors such as the size of the discharged paper P, the ratio of printed area to the size of the paper P and the like, the stopper member 2 is arranged to be able to move up and down the cushioning portion 1. Further since kinetic energy of the paper P to be absorbed by the cushioning portion 1 varies according to the kind and quality of the paper P and the like, the cushioning portion 1 is arranged to be exchangeable.
- the cushioning portion 1 may be provided on the stopper member 2 to extend over the entire length thereof.
- the discharged paper receiver unit 16 of this embodiment is inserted into the stencil printer 10 in the direction of arrow X in Figure 2 and is held by the stencil printer 10 so that the bottom plate 4 is inclined with respect to the horizontal with its downstream end held lower than its upstream end as described above.
- left and right side fences 9 are mounted on the bottom plate 4 by way of a slide base 8 to be slidable in the transverse direction according to the width (the size as measured in the direction transverse to the direction of discharge of the paper P shown by arrow C in Figure 3) of the discharged paper P.
- the stopper member 2 is, for instance, about 20cm in height and is supported by a slide mechanism (not shown) to be slidable up and down to change the height of the cushioning portion 1 as described above. Further, the stopper member 2 is mounted on a slide base 5a which is mounted on a slide base 5b to be slidable back and forth in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to the slide base 5b. The slide base 5b is mounted on the bottom plate 4 to be slidable back and forth in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to the bottom plate 4 as shown by double-headed arrow D in Figure 3. The lining-up pieces 3 are mounted on the slide base 5b.
- the stopper member 2 together with the cushioning portion 1 is slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to the lining-up pieces 3 and is slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to the bottom plate 4 integrally with the lining-up pieces 3.
- Each of the lining-up pieces 3 of the end lining-up member is erected upward from the bottom plate 4 in front of the stopper member 2 but is inclined rearward at a portion higher than the lower end of the cushioning portion 1 (the height of the lower end of the cushioning 1 is indicated at h in Figure 2) so that the leading end of the discharged paper P does not directly impact against the lining-up piece 3.
- the leading end of the discharged paper P impacts against the cushioning portion 1 as shown by arrow A in Figure 3
- the discharged paper P is rebound by the cushioning portion 1 as shown by arrow B and then falls toward the bottom plate 4.
- the leading end of the paper P is guided by the surfaces of the lining-up pieces 3 facing the stencil printed 10 and the side edges of the paper P are guided by the side fences 9, whereby the discharged papers P are aligned with each other in both the direction of discharge and the direction transverse to the direction of discharge.
- the lining-up pieces 3 guide the leading end of the discharged paper P, it is preferred that the lining-up pieces 3 be formed of a material such as ABS resin, PS resin or PC resin which provides a smooth surface. Even if the lining-up pieces 3 are formed of such a material, no impact sound is generated since the discharged paper P does not impact against the lining-up pieces 3.
- the discharged paper receiver unit 16 of this embodiment since the discharged paper P is stopped by the cushioning portion 1 formed of a cushioning material such as rubber sponge or resin sponge, the impact sound can be suppressed, and since lining of the leading ends of the discharged papers P is effected by the lining-up pieces 3 having smooth surfaces, the leading ends of the discharged papers P can be well lined up. Further since the lining-up pieces 3 are disposed in front of the stopper member 2, and the weight of the stack of the discharged papers P does not act on the stopper member 2, the cushioning performance of the stopper member 2 (the cushioning portion 1) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers P in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased.
- the cushioning portion 1 formed of a cushioning material such as rubber sponge or resin sponge
- the paper P is generally discharged in a curled state with its side edges directed upward as indicated at E in Figure 4 in order to increase the bending rigidity of the paper P and facilitate discharge of the paper P.
- the paper P can directly impact against the cushioning portion 1 without interfered with by the side fences 9. After rebounded by the cushioning portion 1, the paper P fails downward while spreading under its rigidity.
- the side edges of the paper P abut against the side fences 9 as shown by arrow F in Figure 4 and spread of the paper P is limited, whereby the papers P are aligned with each other in the direction transverse to the direction of discharge of the papers P.
- the cushioning portion 1 is clearly narrower than the length of the leading end of each paper and is positioned at the middle between the side edges of the bottom plate 4.
- a paper spreading sound is generated when the paper spreads.
- the cushioning portion 1 is narrower than the width of the leading end of the paper P and is positioned so that the leading end of the paper P impacts against the cushioning portion 1 only at a middle portion thereof, impact energy is released in a manner such that the impact energy propagates outward from the middle portion of the paper P, and a part of the impact energy can be absorbed and generation of the paper spreading sound is prevented.
- stopper member 1 and the lining-up pieces 3 are integrally movable in the direction of discharge of the paper P as described above, they are adjusted to an optimal position according to the size of the paper P and the like. Further the position of the stopper member 2 relative to the lining-up pieces 3 can be adjusted, for instance, according to the distance by which the paper P is expected to be rebounded since the stopper member 2 is movable relative to the lining-up pieces 3 as described above.
- the stopper 2, the lining-up pieces 3 and the side fences 9 are collapsible and are collapsed when the discharged paper receiver unit 16b is housed in a cabinet of the stencil printer 10 or the like.
- the end lining-up member comprises a pair of lining-up pieces 3 which are separate from each other and from the stopper member 2, the end lining-up member may be of one piece.
- a one-piece end lining-up member 53 is formed integrally with a stopper member 52 which supports a cushioning portion 51.
- the end lining-up member 53 is provided with a pair of lining-up surfaces 53a on opposite sides of the stopper member 52.
- the lining-up surfaces 53a are disposed forward of the cushioning portion 51 so that the leading end of the discharged paper P rebound by the cushioning portion 51 abuts against the lining-up surfaces 53a.
- the lining-up surfaces 53a are disposed forward of the cushioning portion 51, the weight of the stack of the papers P cannot directly act on the stopper member 52, whereby the cushioning performance of the stopper member 52 (the cushioning portion 51) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers P in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased as in the first embodiment.
- the upper edge of the end lining-up member 53 is lower than the lower end of the cushioning portion 51 not to interfere with the leading end of the discharged paper P before the leading end impacts against the cushioning portion 51.
- the stopper member 52 and the end lining-up member 53 are mounted on a slide base 55 which is mounted on the bottom plate 4 to be slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P.
- a one-piece end lining-up member 63 has a wide lining-up surface and is formed separately from a stopper member 62 provided with a cushioning portion 61.
- the lining-up surface 63a is disposed forward of the cushioning portion 61 so that the leading end of the discharged paper P rebound by the cushioning portion 61 abuts against the lining-up surface 63a.
- the lining-up surface 63a is disposed forward of the cushioning portion 61, the weight of the stack of the papers P cannot directly act on the stopper member 62, whereby the cushioning performance of the stopper member 62 (the cushioning portion 61) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers P in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased as in the first embodiment.
- the upper edge of the end lining-up member 63 is lower than the lower end of the cushioning portion 61 not to interfere with the leading end of the discharged paper P before the leading end impacts against the cushioning portion 61.
- the stopper member 62 and the end lining-up member 63 are mounted on a slide base 65 which is mounted on the bottom plate 4 to be slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pile Receivers (AREA)
- Supply, Installation And Extraction Of Printed Sheets Or Plates (AREA)
- Paper Feeding For Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a discharged paper receiver unit for an image recording apparatus such as a copier, printer or the like, and more particularly to a discharged paper receiver unit on which a plurality of papers automatically discharged from such an image recording apparatus continuously one by one are stacked with their edges lined up.
- There have been known various image recording apparatuses in which a plurality of papers are continuously discharged one by one onto a discharged paper receiver unit.
- Conventional discharged paper receiver units generally comprise a tray on which papers are stacked, an end fence which is erected from the tray so that the papers discharged from the image recording apparatuses impact against the end fence, and a pair of side fences which line up the side edges (the edges parallel to the direction of discharge of the papers) of the papers. The end fence is slidable back and forth in the direction of discharge of the papers according to the length (the size of the papers as measured in the direction of discharge of the papers) of the papers to be discharged from the image recording apparatus. The side fences are slidable toward and away from each other in the direction transverse to the direction of discharge of the papers according to the width of the papers to be discharged. The end fence and the side fences are collapsible, and when the image recording apparatus is not used, the discharged paper receiver unit is housed in a cabinet on the image recording apparatus with the fences collapsed.
- In the conventional discharged paper receiver units, the end fence functions as both a stopper member which stops the papers discharged from the image recording apparatus and an end lining up member which lines up the leading ends of the papers, thereby bringing the papers in alignment with each other in the longitudinal direction of the papers (in the direction of discharge of the papers).
- Generally the end face has been formed of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, PS resin or PC resin. Accordingly a large sound is generated each time the paper impacts against the end fence.
- There has been made an attempt to suppress the impact sound by providing a cushioning member such as of sponge on the end fence in a position where the papers impact against the end fence.
- However when the sponge is exposed, the leading ends of the papers are apt to be caught by the rough surface of the sponge so that the papers are hung from the sponge, which adversely affects lining up the leading ends of the papers, though the impact sounds can be well suppressed. To the contrast, when the surface of the sponge is covered, for instance, with resin film to provide a smooth surface, the cushioning effect deteriorates and the impact sound cannot be sufficiently suppressed though the lining up the leading ends of papers can be well performed.
- In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8(1996)-20468, there is disclosed a mechanism for suppressing the impact sound by erecting a thin plate member formed of a resilient material in front of the end fence. The thin plate member is deflected by its own weight toward the paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus and when the paper impacts against the thin plate member, kinetic energy of the paper is absorbed by the thin plate member and the impact sound is suppressed. However, this approach is disadvantageous in that deflection toward the paper discharge port of the thin plate member adversely affects lining up the leading ends of the papers and, at the same time, as the number of papers stacked on the tray increases and the weight of the stack of papers acting on the thin plate material increases, cushioning effect of the thin plate member deteriorates and the impact sound gradually becomes larger.
- In view of the foregoing observations and description, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a discharged paper receiver unit which can suppress the impact sound generated upon stopping the discharged paper and, at the same time, can well line up the ends of the papers.
- The discharged paper receiver unit in accordance with the present invention is for receiving papers discharged from an image recording apparatus such as a copier, printer or the like and comprises
- a bottom plate on which papers discharged from the image recording apparatus are stacked and which is positioned with its one end held lower than the other at least when the discharged paper receiver unit is set in its operative position,
- a stopper member having a cushioning portion positioned so that the leading end of each paper as discharged from the image recording apparatus directly impacts against the cushioning portion and the paper falls onto the bottom plate, and
- an end lining-up member which is provided near the end of the bottom plate which is held lower than the other when the discharged paper receiver unit is in its operative position, is positioned so that the leading end of each paper as discharged from the image recording apparatus cannot directly impact against the end lining-up member before impacting cushioning portion, and is provided with a lining-up surface which is erected from the bottom plate and against which one end of the paper is brought into abutment after the leading end of the paper impacts against the cushioning portion.
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- In the discharged paper receiver unit of the present invention, the cushioning portion of the stopper member stops the paper discharged from the image recording apparatus and absorbs kinetic energy of the discharged paper by rebounding the discharged paper, whereby the impact sound is suppressed. Since the end lining-up member lines up the ends of the papers and the cushioning portion plays no part in lining up the ends of the papers, the surface of the cushioning portion need not be smooth. Accordingly, the cushioning portion may be formed of a cushioning material such as sponge rubber or sponge resin without any cover which can increase the impact sound. The cushioning portion may extend either from the surface of the bottom plate to an area including a height where the leading end of the discharged paper is expected to pass or only over an area including a height where the leading end of the discharged paper is expected to pass. The height where the leading end of the discharged paper is expected to pass varies according to the size of the paper, the thickness of the paper, the speed at which the paper is discharged and the like, and can be determined, for instance, empirically. It is preferred that the height of the cushioning portion is adjustable.
- Further since kinetic energy of the paper to be absorbed by the cushioning portion varies according to the size of the paper, the thickness of the paper, the speed at which the paper is discharged and the like, it is preferred that the material of the cushioning portion can be changed. This can be realized by changing the stopper member together with the cushioning portion or by removably mounting the cushioning portion on the stopper member and changing only the cushioning portion.
- The paper is generally discharged in a curled state with its side edges directed upward in order to facilitate discharge of the paper. In such a case, when the leading end of the paper abuts against the cushioning portion over the entire length of the leading end, a paper spreading sound is generated when the paper spreads. When the cushioning portion is narrower than the width of the leading end of the paper to be discharged from the image recording apparatus and is positioned so that the leading end of the paper impacts against the cushioning portion only at a middle portion thereof, impact energy is released in a manner such that the impact energy propagates outward from the middle portion of the paper, and a part of the impact energy can be absorbed and generation of the paper spreading sound is prevented.
- The end lining-up member is disposed near the end of the bottom plate which is held lower than the other end, and the paper rebound by the cushioning portion slides along the inclined surface of the bottom plate and is stopped by the end lining-up member with its one end abutting against the lining-up surface of the end lining-up member, whereby the ends of the papers are lined up. For this purpose, it is preferred that the lining-up surface be smooth and may be formed of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, PS resin, PC resin or the like which has been used for the conventional end fence. Though the bottom plate may be inclined either so that the upstream end thereof (the end nearer to the image recording apparatus) is lower than the downstream end thereof or so that the downstream end is lower than the upstream end, it is preferred that the bottom plate be inclined in the latter manner.
- The stopper member and the end lining-up member may be formed either integrally or separately from each other.
- It is preferred that the stopper member and the end lining-up member be movable back and forth in the paper discharge direction in which the papers are discharged from the image recording apparatus so that the position of the cushioning portion and the lining-up surface can be adjusted according to the size of the paper.
- It is further preferred that the stopper member and the end lining-up member be movable back and forth in the paper discharge direction independently of each other.
- Further, in the discharged paper receiver unit of this embodiment, since the weight of the stack of the papers does not act on the stopper member, the cushioning performance of the stopper member (the cushioning portion) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased.
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- Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a stencil printer with a stencil master making system as an image recording apparatus provided with a discharged paper receiver unit to which the present invention is applied ,
- Figure 2 is a perspective view partly cut away showing a discharged paper receiver unit in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,
- Figure 3 is a side view of the discharged paper receiver unit,
- Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the discharged paper receiver unit,
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a discharged paper receiver unit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, and
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of a discharged paper receiver unit in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
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- Figure 1 shows a stencil printer with a stencil master making system as an image recording apparatus provided with a discharged paper receiver unit to which the present invention is applied. In Figure 1, the
stencil printer 10 has a stencil master making section in which a stencil master is made by imagewise perforating a heat-sensitive stencil master material M in a dot matrix pattern. The stencil master thus made is wound around the peripheral wall of a printing drum 24 in aprinting section 17. A printing paper p' is fed between the printing drum 24, bearing thereon the stencil master, and apress roller 27 from a paper supply table 26 at a predetermined timing in synchronization with rotation of the printing drum 24 by a pair oftiming rollers 25. The printing paper P' is pressed against the stencil master on the printing drum 24 by thepress roller 25 and ink is transferred to the printing paper P' through the stencil master, whereby an image is printed on the printing paper P'. After printing, the printed paper P' (will be referred to as "the discharged paper P", hereinbelow) is separated from the printing drum 24 by a separator 28 and is conveyed by a dischargepaper conveyor system 29. Then the discharged paper P is discharged into a dischargedpaper receiver unit 16 with its printed surface facing upward. - The present invention is to improve the discharged
paper receiver unit 16. A dischargedpaper receiver unit 16 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4, hereinbelow. - In Figures 2 to 4, the discharged
paper receiver unit 16 of this embodiment comprises abottom plate 4, astopper member 2 which is erected from thebottom plate 4 and is provided with acushioning portion 1, and an end lining-up member comprising a pair of lining-uppieces 3 disposed on opposite sides of thestopper member 2. - In this embodiment, the discharged
paper receiver unit 16 is disposed with respect to thestencil printer 10 so that thebottom plate 4 is inclined with respect to the horizontal with its downstream end (the end remote from the stencil printer 10) held lower than its upstream end. Thestopper member 2 and the end lining-up member are disposed near the downstream end of thebottom plate 4. When the dischargedpaper receiver unit 16 is disposed with respect to thestencil printer 10 with the upstream end of the bottom plate held lower than the downstream end, thestopper member 2 is disposed near the downstream end of thebottom plate 4 and the end lining-up member is disposed near the upstream end of thebottom plate 4. - The
cushioning portion 1 is formed of sponge or rubber material several millimeters thick having cushioning effect and is positioned so that the discharged paper P as discharged from thestencil printer 10 directly impacts against thecushioning portion 1. In this particular embodiment, thecushioning portion 1 extends over the upper one third of thestopper member 2. Since the height where the leading end of the discharged paper P is expected to pass changes according to various factors such as the size of the discharged paper P, the ratio of printed area to the size of the paper P and the like, thestopper member 2 is arranged to be able to move up and down thecushioning portion 1. Further since kinetic energy of the paper P to be absorbed by thecushioning portion 1 varies according to the kind and quality of the paper P and the like, thecushioning portion 1 is arranged to be exchangeable. Thecushioning portion 1 may be provided on thestopper member 2 to extend over the entire length thereof. - The discharged
paper receiver unit 16 of this embodiment is inserted into thestencil printer 10 in the direction of arrow X in Figure 2 and is held by thestencil printer 10 so that thebottom plate 4 is inclined with respect to the horizontal with its downstream end held lower than its upstream end as described above. - Further left and
right side fences 9 are mounted on thebottom plate 4 by way of aslide base 8 to be slidable in the transverse direction according to the width (the size as measured in the direction transverse to the direction of discharge of the paper P shown by arrow C in Figure 3) of the discharged paper P. - The
stopper member 2 is, for instance, about 20cm in height and is supported by a slide mechanism (not shown) to be slidable up and down to change the height of thecushioning portion 1 as described above. Further, thestopper member 2 is mounted on aslide base 5a which is mounted on aslide base 5b to be slidable back and forth in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to theslide base 5b. Theslide base 5b is mounted on thebottom plate 4 to be slidable back and forth in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to thebottom plate 4 as shown by double-headed arrow D in Figure 3. The lining-uppieces 3 are mounted on theslide base 5b. Accordingly, thestopper member 2 together with thecushioning portion 1 is slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to the lining-uppieces 3 and is slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P relative to thebottom plate 4 integrally with the lining-uppieces 3. - Each of the lining-up
pieces 3 of the end lining-up member is erected upward from thebottom plate 4 in front of thestopper member 2 but is inclined rearward at a portion higher than the lower end of the cushioning portion 1 (the height of the lower end of thecushioning 1 is indicated at h in Figure 2) so that the leading end of the discharged paper P does not directly impact against the lining-uppiece 3. When the leading end of the discharged paper P impacts against thecushioning portion 1 as shown by arrow A in Figure 3, the discharged paper P is rebound by thecushioning portion 1 as shown by arrow B and then falls toward thebottom plate 4. When the discharged paper P falls toward thebottom plate 4, the leading end of the paper P is guided by the surfaces of the lining-uppieces 3 facing the stencil printed 10 and the side edges of the paper P are guided by theside fences 9, whereby the discharged papers P are aligned with each other in both the direction of discharge and the direction transverse to the direction of discharge. Since the lining-uppieces 3 guide the leading end of the discharged paper P, it is preferred that the lining-uppieces 3 be formed of a material such as ABS resin, PS resin or PC resin which provides a smooth surface. Even if the lining-uppieces 3 are formed of such a material, no impact sound is generated since the discharged paper P does not impact against the lining-uppieces 3. - Thus in the discharged
paper receiver unit 16 of this embodiment, since the discharged paper P is stopped by thecushioning portion 1 formed of a cushioning material such as rubber sponge or resin sponge, the impact sound can be suppressed, and since lining of the leading ends of the discharged papers P is effected by the lining-uppieces 3 having smooth surfaces, the leading ends of the discharged papers P can be well lined up. Further since the lining-uppieces 3 are disposed in front of thestopper member 2, and the weight of the stack of the discharged papers P does not act on thestopper member 2, the cushioning performance of the stopper member 2 (the cushioning portion 1) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers P in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased. - The paper P is generally discharged in a curled state with its side edges directed upward as indicated at E in Figure 4 in order to increase the bending rigidity of the paper P and facilitate discharge of the paper P. With this arrangement, the paper P can directly impact against the
cushioning portion 1 without interfered with by theside fences 9. After rebounded by thecushioning portion 1, the paper P fails downward while spreading under its rigidity. However the side edges of the paper P abut against theside fences 9 as shown by arrow F in Figure 4 and spread of the paper P is limited, whereby the papers P are aligned with each other in the direction transverse to the direction of discharge of the papers P. - As can be seen from Figure 2, the
cushioning portion 1 is clearly narrower than the length of the leading end of each paper and is positioned at the middle between the side edges of thebottom plate 4. When the leading end of the paper P abuts against thecushioning portion 1 over the entire length of the leading end, a paper spreading sound is generated when the paper spreads. When thecushioning portion 1 is narrower than the width of the leading end of the paper P and is positioned so that the leading end of the paper P impacts against thecushioning portion 1 only at a middle portion thereof, impact energy is released in a manner such that the impact energy propagates outward from the middle portion of the paper P, and a part of the impact energy can be absorbed and generation of the paper spreading sound is prevented. - Since the
stopper member 1 and the lining-uppieces 3 are integrally movable in the direction of discharge of the paper P as described above, they are adjusted to an optimal position according to the size of the paper P and the like. Further the position of thestopper member 2 relative to the lining-uppieces 3 can be adjusted, for instance, according to the distance by which the paper P is expected to be rebounded since thestopper member 2 is movable relative to the lining-uppieces 3 as described above. - The
stopper 2, the lining-uppieces 3 and theside fences 9 are collapsible and are collapsed when the discharged paper receiver unit 16b is housed in a cabinet of thestencil printer 10 or the like. - Though, in the first embodiment, the end lining-up member comprises a pair of lining-up
pieces 3 which are separate from each other and from thestopper member 2, the end lining-up member may be of one piece. For example, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, a one-piece end lining-upmember 53 is formed integrally with astopper member 52 which supports acushioning portion 51. The end lining-upmember 53 is provided with a pair of lining-upsurfaces 53a on opposite sides of thestopper member 52. The lining-upsurfaces 53a are disposed forward of thecushioning portion 51 so that the leading end of the discharged paper P rebound by the cushioningportion 51 abuts against the lining-upsurfaces 53a. Further since the lining-upsurfaces 53a are disposed forward of thecushioning portion 51, the weight of the stack of the papers P cannot directly act on thestopper member 52, whereby the cushioning performance of the stopper member 52 (the cushioning portion 51) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers P in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the end lining-upmember 53 is lower than the lower end of thecushioning portion 51 not to interfere with the leading end of the discharged paper P before the leading end impacts against the cushioningportion 51. Further, thestopper member 52 and the end lining-upmember 53 are mounted on aslide base 55 which is mounted on thebottom plate 4 to be slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P. - In the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, a one-piece end lining-up
member 63 has a wide lining-up surface and is formed separately from astopper member 62 provided with acushioning portion 61. The lining-upsurface 63a is disposed forward of thecushioning portion 61 so that the leading end of the discharged paper P rebound by the cushioningportion 61 abuts against the lining-upsurface 63a. Further since the lining-upsurface 63a is disposed forward of thecushioning portion 61, the weight of the stack of the papers P cannot directly act on thestopper member 62, whereby the cushioning performance of the stopper member 62 (the cushioning portion 61) is kept unchanged even if the number of papers P in the stack increases and the weight of the stack is increased as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the end lining-upmember 63 is lower than the lower end of thecushioning portion 61 not to interfere with the leading end of the discharged paper P before the leading end impacts against the cushioningportion 61. Further, thestopper member 62 and the end lining-upmember 63 are mounted on aslide base 65 which is mounted on thebottom plate 4 to be slidable in the direction of discharge of the paper P.
Claims (9)
- A discharged paper receiver unit for receiving papers discharged from an image recording apparatus comprisinga bottom plate on which papers discharged from the image recording apparatus are stacked and which is positioned with its one end held lower than the other at least when the discharged paper receiver unit is set in its operative position,a stopper member having a cushioning portion positioned so that the leading end of each paper as discharged from the image recording apparatus directly impacts against the cushioning portion and the paper falls onto the bottom plate, andan end lining-up member which is provided near the end of the bottom plate which is held lower than the other when the discharged paper receiver unit is in its operative position, is positioned so that the leading end of each paper as discharged from the image recording apparatus cannot directly impact against the end lining-up member before impacting the cushioning portion, and is provided with a lining-up surface which is erected from the bottom plate and against which one end of the paper is brought into abutment after the leading end of the paper impacts against the cushioning portion.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 1 in which the cushioning portion is formed of a cushioning material such as sponge rubber or sponge resin supported on the stopper member.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 2 in which the cushioning material is exchangeable.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 1 in which the stopper member together with the cushioning portion is exchangeable.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 1 in which the stopper member and the end lining-up member are formed separately from each other.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 1 in which the stopper member and the end lining-up member are movable back and forth in the paper discharge direction in which the papers are discharged from the image recording apparatus.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 6 in which the stopper member and the end lining-up member are movable back and forth in the paper discharge direction independently of each other.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 1 in which the cushioning portion is movable toward and away from the bottom plate.
- A discharged paper receiver unit as defined in Claim 1 in which the cushioning portion is narrower than the width of the leading end of the paper to be discharged from the image recording apparatus and is positioned so that the leading end of the paper impacts against the cushioning portion only at a middle portion thereof.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP37361398 | 1998-12-28 | ||
JP10373613A JP2000198606A (en) | 1998-12-28 | 1998-12-28 | Ejected paper storing device |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1016611A2 true EP1016611A2 (en) | 2000-07-05 |
EP1016611A3 EP1016611A3 (en) | 2001-01-03 |
EP1016611B1 EP1016611B1 (en) | 2003-11-05 |
Family
ID=18502463
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99125792A Expired - Lifetime EP1016611B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-12-23 | Discharged paper receiver unit |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6354588B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1016611B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2000198606A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69912572T2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1127829A3 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2003-02-12 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Paper discharge base of image forming apparatus |
WO2004096685A1 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-11 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Strike plate and exit section utilizing same |
Families Citing this family (20)
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JP4750302B2 (en) * | 2001-03-13 | 2011-08-17 | キヤノン株式会社 | Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus |
US7044322B2 (en) | 2002-12-16 | 2006-05-16 | Chicago Bridge & Iron Company | Spring-loaded secondary seal for floating-roof storage tank |
JP4547574B2 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2010-09-22 | グンゼ株式会社 | Stacker bundler |
JP4160362B2 (en) | 2002-10-30 | 2008-10-01 | グローリー株式会社 | Accumulator and circulating banknote deposit and withdrawal machine |
US7748555B2 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2010-07-06 | Chicago Bridge & Iron Company | Spring-loaded secondary seal for floating-roof storage tank |
US7034362B2 (en) * | 2003-10-17 | 2006-04-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Double silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) structures |
US7673873B2 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2010-03-09 | Eastman Kodak Company | Offset print stacking tray with anti-stubbing feature |
JP4779482B2 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2011-09-28 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Paper discharge tray and image forming apparatus |
JP4221413B2 (en) * | 2006-02-13 | 2009-02-12 | シャープ株式会社 | Sheet deposition apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same |
US7588249B2 (en) * | 2007-04-10 | 2009-09-15 | Goss International Americas, Inc. | Signature hopper with flexible guide |
JP2009203040A (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2009-09-10 | Fujifilm Corp | Sheet collecting device and sheet collecting method |
KR101072710B1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2011-10-11 | 엘지엔시스(주) | Media stacking apparatus or media dispenser |
JP5958251B2 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2016-07-27 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Sheet discharging apparatus and image recording apparatus provided with the same |
JP6319764B2 (en) * | 2014-06-20 | 2018-05-09 | 株式会社Isowa | Sheet stacking apparatus and sheet stacking method |
JP5876174B1 (en) * | 2015-02-16 | 2016-03-02 | 株式会社 杉本カレンダー | Sheet paper aligner |
WO2017030552A1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2017-02-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | End stops for stacking sheets |
JP6662034B2 (en) * | 2015-12-25 | 2020-03-11 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Sheet transport device |
CN107867588A (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2018-04-03 | 浙江东经科技股份有限公司 | Cardboard stack device |
JP2019137533A (en) * | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-22 | デュプロ精工株式会社 | Paper receiving device |
JP2023020213A (en) * | 2021-07-30 | 2023-02-09 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Medium loading device and post-processing device |
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JPH0820468A (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1996-01-23 | Tohoku Ricoh Co Ltd | Discharged paper sheet containing device |
JPH08259082A (en) * | 1995-03-20 | 1996-10-08 | Riso Kagaku Corp | Paper discharging base for printing device |
EP0788994A2 (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 1997-08-13 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Paper sheet receptacle suitable for high speed copying or printing machine |
EP0864521A2 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 1998-09-16 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Sheet discharge device |
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US2733064A (en) * | 1956-01-31 | martin | ||
US3907128A (en) * | 1973-12-13 | 1975-09-23 | Ppg Industries Inc | Lead edge stop device |
JPS63143172A (en) * | 1986-12-03 | 1988-06-15 | Nec Corp | Stacker for sheets |
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1998
- 1998-12-28 JP JP10373613A patent/JP2000198606A/en active Pending
-
1999
- 1999-12-23 DE DE69912572T patent/DE69912572T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-12-23 EP EP99125792A patent/EP1016611B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-23 US US09/471,358 patent/US6354588B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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JPH0820468A (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1996-01-23 | Tohoku Ricoh Co Ltd | Discharged paper sheet containing device |
JPH08259082A (en) * | 1995-03-20 | 1996-10-08 | Riso Kagaku Corp | Paper discharging base for printing device |
EP0788994A2 (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 1997-08-13 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Paper sheet receptacle suitable for high speed copying or printing machine |
EP0864521A2 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 1998-09-16 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Sheet discharge device |
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Title |
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PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1996, no. 05, 31 May 1996 (1996-05-31) & JP 08 020468 A (TOHOKU RICOH CO LTD), 23 January 1996 (1996-01-23) * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1997, no. 02, 28 February 1997 (1997-02-28) -& JP 08 259082 A (RISO KAGAKU CORP), 8 October 1996 (1996-10-08) * |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1127829A3 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2003-02-12 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Paper discharge base of image forming apparatus |
WO2004096685A1 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-11 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Strike plate and exit section utilizing same |
US7837190B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2010-11-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Strike plate and exit section utilizing same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6354588B1 (en) | 2002-03-12 |
DE69912572T2 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
DE69912572D1 (en) | 2003-12-11 |
JP2000198606A (en) | 2000-07-18 |
EP1016611A3 (en) | 2001-01-03 |
EP1016611B1 (en) | 2003-11-05 |
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